The Ways Are Green

Author: William Ernest Henley

    The ways are green with the gladdening sheen
    Of the young year's fairest daughter.
    O, the shadows that fleet o'er the springing wheat!
    O, the magic of running water!
    The spirit of spring is in every thing,
    The banners of spring are streaming,
    We march to a tune from the fifes of June,
    And life's a dream worth dreaming.

    It's all very well to sit and spell
    At the lesson there's no gainsaying;
    But what the deuce are wont and use
    When the whole mad world's a-maying?
    When the meadow glows, and the orchard snows,
    And the air's with love-motes teeming,
    When fancies break, and the senses wake,
    O, life's a dream worth dreaming!

    What Nature has writ with her lusty wit
    Is worded so wisely and kindly
    That whoever has dipped in her manuscript
    Must up and follow her blindly.
    Now the summer prime is her blithest rhyme
    In the being and the seeming,
    And they that have heard the overword
    Know life's a dream worth dreaming.

    1878
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is an expressive ode to the joy and wonder of nature, specifically during the season of spring. The poet's vibrant description of the green landscapes, the "gladdening sheen" of the young year's daughter, the "shadows that fleet o'er the springing wheat", and the "magic of running water" imbue the piece with an ebullient tone. The recurring phrase, "life's a dream worth dreaming," serves as an uplifting chorus that reinforces the theme of appreciating the beauty and magic of life.

The poem also employs the literary device of personification to bring nature to life. For instance, "the spirit of spring is in every thing," and "Nature has writ with her lusty wit." The poem is structured in a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme, which, along with the repetition of key phrases, creates a musical quality that mirrors the harmony found in nature. The poet also uses a playful, teasing tone to question the value of routine ("what the deuce are wont and use") when the world is so full of beauty and wonder. This contrast between the mundane and the extraordinary further emphasizes the poem's central message to partake in the joy of life.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.